Movember is known for growing a moustache or beard. This year they introduced ‘Moving’ and MoSista’s too, to allow women to get involved but also tackle the issue of inactivity.

I really wanted to support my Dad and his friends in raising money and awareness for this great cause. It is a cause close to my heart as we lost my grandfather to prostate cancer, along with too many family friends. I also know a number of men, and boys, who have had poor mental health and struggled to seek support or talk about it. So it was something I really wanted to do, but had reservations about how on earth I was going to manage to fit activity into my already hectic days.

I followed my heart and signed up anyway, and banished those voices in my head “You’ll never do it”, “How on earth are you going to find time”, “You’ll give up at the first bad day”.

Me after a muddy, wet bike ride for Movember

And I did it! And feel so much better and proud of myself! I am now armed with arguments against those voices for the future too!

Don’t get me wrong, I have had days where I have moaned and groaned and wished I had never signed up for it. But my husband and son have been great and keeping me on track. Some days, I have had time to do a longer piece of activity but on the days where time has been short I have stuck to some 10 minute High Intensity Interval Training sessions. Sometimes, I have been joined by Dylan or had some additional weight training, if Rosa hasn’t wanted to be put down. These sessions have usually resulted in laughter and left me feeling calmer and happier, and more able to be the mum I aspire to be. Yoga has also been a great friend to me in this time, a great way to bring calmness to the end of the day or grounding to the start of a day. You can see more of my moves here on my MoSista Page

Sam & Dylan enjoying the outdoor gym at Carrow Road as part of Movember

Yesterday was the first day I didn’t have to do any exercise, but I still fitted a short walk in. Today, I have been out on my bike. I want to keep it going – now that I have realised it is possible to do something, however small, however busy I am.

So Movember has taught me:

I really have no excuses for not squeezing in just a little bit of exercise

Some activity is better than no activity

Activity can be in all shapes and sizes, and be fun with the kids

I work better, play better, live happier with more activity in my life

If I have to, I can do it!

Being held accountable for it, makes me do it

So I challenge you to join me, start today, get more active and start feeling great!